Kisses in the Vineyard //✔️//

vi

Carter Stanford left my life Monday morning, first thing. The moment the light started to shine through the curtains, he was in a car and driving away.

We both had said words that hurt each other. Even the words that Arthur had called me, they hurt.

Even months after what we had said to each other, we still avoided each other yet again. Exactly like before, it was the exact same thing, we avoided each other. Carter filled his broke heart and schedule with more film shoots. He was even preparing to head back to the stage, not for Hamilton but for another up and coming musical. Or a revival of something.

I spent a few months staying at the vineyard, working from home, at my desk in my room. Avoiding any and all contact with people. I rode Honey every day, journey through the vineyards, exploring further land as we wanted to expand and build a B'n'B. Making this a tourist destination or even great for weddings. Each day finally started to get easier and easier.

I distracted myself in my work and so did Carter. Only minimal comments or mentions from my parents or guests that were visiting. I ignored everything that was talked about, about him. My heart hadn't mended, nor did I think it would. You know what made this worse; I still love Carter.

I love Carter with all my heart. Everything we have been through and everything that was said, I still love him. No matter what would happen in my future, if he was in it or not, I still love Carter. I'll always love him, I couldn't rid myself to that feeling. No matter how much I drank, who I slept with, no matter what the distraction was, I couldn't rid the feeling.

"Everything ok?" My mum knocked on my door, carrying a tray with tea and scones.

She had always been there. She didn't know what had happened, but she knew her daughter had a broken heart and Carter was the centre of the pain. She still loved Carter as her own, but she knew he daughter was hurting.

I smiled at her and gestured for her to place the tray down on my desk in my bedroom. "I'm fine mum, thanks for asking." I started to pour myself a cup of tea, adding in milk. She was staring at me. "What?"

"I heard that your brother wants you to visit him in London, are you going?" Giving me a questionable look. She wanted me to go. I knew that. A trip away would be great.

"I'm not too sure mum. There's going to be builders here shortly and soon dad and I need to work on the new expansion." I sipped on my tea quickly, putting it back just as quickly since it was still boiling hot. I picked up a scone instead. "I understand you're concerned and I know that the trip away would be good, but there's too much here to do. I can't just up and leave work."

She took a seat on the edge of my bed. "You sure as hell can do so. You've been working non stop since you got back from your two year trip. I know you were working whilst you were away. Helping us get out produce across the world, trying new wines and helping us. It was more a work vacation for the most of it."

"Mum, I get that. But I'm working on this new project with dad, that will get us so much more revenue and great source of income."

"I don't care about the wealth, Hayley. We've got enough. You need to focus on yourself." She stood up and walked towards the door. "You'll be leaving in a few days to go to London, whether you like it or no, missy. No arguments, no butts, no excuses. You're going."

I plopped the scone, with jam and cream, into my mouth to shut myself up. My mum had said her say and didn't care whether I liked her decision or not. I turned back to my laptop and checked the weather in London. I'm going to have to prepare for cold days ahead.

***

"Ohmygod!" There was a squeal from the arrival area.

Rolling my luggage out from the terminal I saw my best friend and brother standing there.